Backstage before “Serenade”, just before the “places” call.
This picture is actually from last season, but I thought it would be nice to post now considering that “Serenade” opens tonight’s program.
There is something so special about the mood on stage before this ballet begins. With its nearly all-female cast, “Serenade” is a ballet that is steeped in a strong theme of sisterhood. That concept really carries over to the atmosphere backstage, and as we collect together under those tranquil blue lights, waiting for the curtain to rise, the feeling of solidarity among us girls is palpable.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that “Serenade” is one of every corps girl’s favorite ballets to perform, and for good reason. Really, it doesn’t get much better than performing to that brilliant Tschaikovsky score, luxuriating in the sweeping steps of the choreography as you feel the tulle of your dress wafting delicately behind you. It’s always satisfying to perform a work that is consistently well received by an audience, but it’s the fact that this ballet is such a pleasure to dance that really makes it so special to those of us who dance it.
Philip
My favorite ballet! It must be a thrill to move to this music. I’ve seen it so many times and can’t wait to see it again…tonight!
May 30, 2007 @ 11:57
Sarah
I’m going to see this program on Sunday and I’m very excited for it. Serenade, Union Jack and Bugaku (the first piece of non-nutcracker NYCB rep that I saw when I was 3, holds a special place in my heart!!).
Serenade is in my top 3 NYCB rep pieces for sure (along with Concerto Barocco and Agon) and now that I’ve read your post,Gwyneth, you’ve put your finger on what it is that I love so much. The music, for sure, and the choreography, but also the sense of sisterhood translates off the stage.
Have a great show!
May 30, 2007 @ 12:55
jennifer
i looove the music…a bit overplayed but so unapologetically romantic and dramatic
May 30, 2007 @ 13:38
jolene
this piece made me fall in love with balanchine. lovely picture -
May 30, 2007 @ 14:52
Anne Marie
Seeing your picture gave me an adrenaline rush! We opened this last season with Serenade on the program and it is definitely one of my career highlights.
I absolutely agree with you about that feeling of sisterhood amongst all the girls. The construction of Serenade is so beautiful — the musicality of every movement and the change of formations amongst the corps…. every single girl is important. Desperately wanting to maintain the purity of the work really instills a sense that you’re a part of something important and a huge feeling of responsibility.
I can retire happy now =)
Merde!
May 30, 2007 @ 15:44
Carron
That is such a gorgeous picture. Thank you! I now have the music in my head which is always a good thing. Serenade is just such a wonderful ballet to watch all of you in. (apologies for the poor grammar)
May 30, 2007 @ 16:53
bill
Serenade is the one ballet that always reminds me that Balanchine was a genius (and so was Karinska, with those great costumes). I agree with jennifer that the music is overplayed but the dance saves it from cliche. Very atmospheric pic.
May 30, 2007 @ 17:12
Alannah
Seranade is such a beautiful ballet. I love watching it though I think it would be even better to dance.
May 30, 2007 @ 18:09
sandi
Thank you for that picture Gwyneth. Watching Serenade is one of the times I most regret not being a trained ballet dancer- to be able to fully express that music would be such a dream come true for me. I remember the first time I saw the ballet was at the SAB workshop in 90? 91? I fell in love and have often bought myself a single ticket to just go and see it when I need some life inspiration.
May 30, 2007 @ 19:17
kathy
The first chords of music can make me cry. The arm positions, opening to “first”, the missing dancer.
Thanks for the beautiful behind the curtain photo. Serenade is pure magic.
May 31, 2007 @ 13:12
susan
this snapshot is pure magic. thanks, gwyneth!
May 31, 2007 @ 16:17
Alexandra
i LOOOOVE Serenade! I saw Boston Ballet do it last spring and they totally blew me away. From the moment the curtain rose, and everyone went “ooooooh!” over the lights, it was perfection. It was basically the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen, period. If I had tons of money, you bet I would go down to NYC and catch the show.
I may only be one of those adult ballet students who dances on and off, but if I could only be a professional dancer for one night, I would choose Serenade.
Jun 03, 2007 @ 02:56
veritas
what a lovely photo, great job taking it gwyneth M.
Jun 15, 2007 @ 01:01
erico montes
Serenade really is the best! you described perfectly the mood on stage before curtain up, I’m a dancer of the Royal Ballet and here I see exactly that same mood before a performance of Serenade, it’s beautiful watching the corps de ballet girls preparing to dance a ballet in which all of them are so important.
Girls are so lucky!!!!
Nov 30, 2008 @ 20:05